Sometimes the journalism gods smile down upon me, and I get to write such a fun, cool piece it doesn’t feel like work at all. That has applied to many of the stories I’ve written while working full time at Budget Travel, but this freelance story was special.

When I saw the cover for the first time—specifically that gorgeous, confident woman pedaling to the beach while carrying a surfboard, telegraphing exactly that feeling of being free and untethered that embodies why we travel—my elation was indescribable. It wasn’t pride, per se, nor disbelief…just happiness. I hope you feel even a tenth of that while you’re reading the piece.

I couldn’t be more excited for this new step in my career: After freelancing for the magazine and website for two years, I recently accepted a full-time senior editor position at Budget Travel, and I am loving every minute of my new job. Especially when I get to write things like this:

I write often for SheKnows.com, and it just occurred to me that I haven’t posted many of my recent pieces for them here. Here are a few lurrrve-and-relationships pieces I’ve written in the past few months:

So You Want to Date a DILF… — I like to think of this piece as an ode to David Beckham — actually, more like Ryan Gosling, in light of recent events.

Geek Appeal Is the New Sexy — A very lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek look at why male tech nerds are so hot right now (featuring commentary from the legendary John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus!).

And because you’ve diligently read to the end of this post, here’s your reward: the truly fun stuff. (P.S. I am in love with these illos, by Amy Berlak.):

The Spring 2014 issue of XOP Magazine is on newsstands now, and it is gorgeous, people. I got to do some high-fashion and design writing for the mag this time around, which was so much fun. I interviewed Khajak Keledjian, founder of Intermix, about the boutique chain’s new spring stock, and I explored a few ultracool interior design pieces you’ll want in your home right now.

If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, you’ll see right away that I’m something of a Mad Men fan/aficionado/freak. So when MensFitness.com tapped me to do a piece for the Season 7 premiere, I started writing the story in my head even before I said yes.

The result of my obsessive episode-watching? “What Would Don Draper Say?” — a collection of Draper’s best comebacks that conveniently apply to every part of your life. Try ‘em in the mirror with a Don Draper growl.